1800 432 748
Book Online

Managing Information Securely

At CHC we are committed to transparency, privacy, and ensuring your trust. This page explains how we collect, use, share, store and dispose of your information to provide the best possible care while adhering to legal and regulatory requirements.

Privacy and Confidentiality Policy Statement

At CHC your privacy is our priority. We are committed to protecting your personal information and ensuring it is handled securely and respectfully.

What We Do

  • Safeguard your data with secure storage and strict access controls.
  • Only use or share your information with your consent or when legally required.
  • Provide transparency about how your information is collected, used, and stored.

For detailed privacy guidance, refer to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner’s Guide to Health Privacy.

How We Collect Your Information

We collect personal and health information directly from you to deliver high-quality audiology services.

This includes:

  • Personal Details: Name, date of birth, and contact information.
  • Health Information: Medical history, audiological assessments, and treatment plans.
  • Additional Data: Information you provide during appointments, through consent forms, or via secure communication channels.

For more information about consent, follow this link: hearing-services-program-client-information-booklet.docx

How Your Information Is Used

Your information is essential to:

  • Coordinate and Enhance Your Care: Create personalised care plans and ensure the best outcomes.
  • Manage Appointments and Billing: Streamline administrative processes.
  • Comply with Legal Obligations: Meet requirements set by the Hearing Services Program (HSP) and other governing bodies.

Why We Share Your Information

Your information will only be shared, when necessary, securely, and with your explicit consent unless required by law.

Examples of When Information May Be Shared:

  • Hearing Services Program (HSP): To verify eligibility, manage records, and ensure compliance with government funding requirements.
  • Medicare: To validate services provided and ensure accurate billing for diagnostic assessments.
  • Healthcare Providers: To facilitate continuity of care when referrals or collaborative treatment is needed.

How We Dispose of Your Information

We are committed to securely disposing of your personal and health information in accordance with the Archives Act 1983 (Cth), HSP guidelines, and organisational policies:

Physical Records:

  • Securely shredded or incinerated based on the sensitivity of the information.
  • Disposal is documented to ensure compliance with legal requirements.

Electronic Records:

  • Permanently deleted using certified data destruction software.
  • Logs of destruction activities are maintained for audit purposes.

Disposal Freeze:

Your Rights Regarding Your Information

Accessing Your Records: You have the right to access or correct the information we hold about you. Contact us to make a request, and we will guide you through the process.

Withdrawing Consent: You may withdraw your consent to share information at any time.
Simply contact us in writing, and we will cease sharing your information unless required by law.

How We Protect Your Information: We employ the following measures to safeguard your data:

  • Encryption: All electronic records are securely encrypted during transfer and storage.
  • Access Controls: Records are only accessible to authorised personnel.
  • Regular Audits: We conduct regular reviews to ensure compliance with privacy and security standards.

Compliance with Privacy Laws

We are committed to protecting your personal and health information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). Our practices align with the guidance provided by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) in the in the protection of personal and sensitive of information of our client and staff.

Future Innovations and Adaptability

We are committed to exploring the use of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), to enhance clinical workflows. As part of our commitment to innovation, we are assessing the potential for AI- assisted tools to streamline consent processes during clinical meetings, ensuring accuracy and efficiency while maintaining compliance with privacy standards.

Contact Us

For privacy-related queries or to access your records, contact us:

  • Phone: 1800 432 748
  • Email: incidentreporting@chcare.com.au